PowerFLARM release 2.60 beta, Build 4518, October 19, 2012
===========================================================

Recommended for: Users wishing to beta test IGC logging and/or 
obstacles warnings (available database: Alps [1]).

Additions
  - IGC format logging suitable for OLC and FLARM range analyzer [2].
  - Obstacle warnings.  Notice that FLARM plans to charge a moderate
    fee for obstacle database updates from 2013.
  - Audio OUT (3.5mm jack) support for PowerFLARM Portable Pure.

Additions relevant for integration with 3rd-party products:
  - $PFLAL NMEA sentence (range analyzer/SAR functionality).
  - $PFLAQ NMEA sentence (progress indication for long operations).

  Note: Additional commands are described in [3].

Enhancements:
  - Improved alarm suppression for taxiing power planes.
  - Improved tow detection algorithm.
  - Reduced amount of startup information on Data Port.
  - Portable: Display background will flash RED on alarms.

Bugfixes:
  - Intermittent FLARM targets at large vertical distance.
  - Insufficient PCAS range.
  - Occasional $PFLAU outage on INFO alerts.

Known issues:
  - Manual updates for 2.60 will follow shortly.
  - Occasional errors about I2C communication (can be ignored).
  - Some USB sticks, in particular USB 3.0, do not work with Core.  Devices
    other than USB sticks may cause Core to hang.

Supported device numbers:
   FLAPFP23E
   FLAPFP24E
   FLAPFP24A
   FLAPFQ24E
   FLAPFQ24A

   FLAPFC10A
   FLAPFC10E
   FLAPFD10A
   FLAPFD10E

Note:
  Users updating from PowerFLARM Portable 2.01 or earlier
  will need to re-enter Settings (ICAO Addr, XPDR, Battery type,
  ranges, etc.).


Notes on IGC recording:
1. Flights up to and including Gold badge when approved as 'Position
   Recorder' by the National Authority (NA).

2. For more information on Position Recorders, see: 
   http://www.fai.org/gnss-recording-devices/position-recorders

3. Accepted for OLC flights in all countries.

4. Accepted for OLC-based national decentralized competition flights in
   many countries (check local rules for details).

5. Accepted as backup flight recorder in many central international,
   national and regional competitions (check with organizer).

*  All above valid only for gliders without engine.

*  Log file is in IGC format and contains a G (security) record.


Supported display hardware (PowerFLARM Core):
* Butterfly 57mm
* Butterfly external

Tested Butterfly display firmware: 3.0.1


Update procedure for Core
=========================

1. Copy firmware file (PF2.60_4518.fw) to top level directory of USB
   stick.  If obstacle warnings are desired, also copy the obstacle
   database file [1].
2. Connect USB stick to Core.
3. Add power to Core.
4. Wait until Status LED flashes RED/GREEN for about 20 seconds.
4a. If an obstacle update is executed:  Status LED will turn ORANGE for
    about 40 seconds.  Wait for it to flash RED/GREEN for another
    period of about 20 seconds.
5. Wait until Status LED turns constant GREEN or RED (in case of missing
   GPS reception).  This may take several seconds during which the LED
   will remain ORANGE.
6.  If obstacle warnings are desired, repeat the above procedure
  with the obstacle database file (see Note below).
7. Disconnect USB stick.
8. Butterfly Display should indicate PowerFLARM firmware version
   and obstacle database.


Update procedure for Portable
=============================

1. Copy firmware file (PF2.60_4518.fw) to top level directory of a microSD-Card. 
   If obstacle warnings are desired, also copy the obstacle database file [1].
2. Insert the microSD-Card.
3. Go to Menu -> Info -> Update

As for previous firmware versions.  In order to install the obstacle
database, please select 'Info -> Update' a second time once the
Portable has started into the 2.60 version.  This will no longer
be necessary for subsequent firmware versions.


IGC file readout
================

Core:
1.  Connect USB stick to Core.
2.  Add power.
3.  After several seconds, Status LED will start flashing RED/GREEN.
4.  Wait until RED/GREEN flashing stops and Status LED turns constant
    GREEN or RED (in case of missing GPS reception).
5.  Remove USB stick.

Portable:
1.  Insert SD card.
2.  Select Info -> IGC readout.
3.  Remove SD card after device is back on the Info menu.

Note:
- IGC files will be found in the root directory of the USB stick/SD card.
- PowerFLARM will skip writing IGC files which are already on the USB
  stick/SD card.
- IGC readout is only possible on the ground.

Core Status LED note:
- The Status LED will flash GREEN several times in case a FLARMCFG.TXT file
  on the USB stick is being processed.


[1] http://www.flarm.com/support/updates/alps20110919_.obs
[2] http://www.flarm.com/support/analyze/index_en.html
[3] http://www.flarm.com/support/manual/developer/dataport_spec_6.00_addendum.txt


MD5 sum:
1fbfa2bbbae4ae1c66e6445536affeac *PF2.60_4518.fw